“On par” is a phrase that you may hear frequently during a conversation or see in writing. If you have encountered this phrase and are wondering what it means, then you have come to the right place. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and some information about its origin. You will also find some examples used in conversations and sentences to see how this idiom is used correctly and suggestions for words or phrases you can use as a substitution for this phrase that still means the same thing.
On Par
On Par Meaning
The idiomatic phrase “on par” means that someone or something is equal to or just as good as someone or something else.
Origin of this idiom
Although most people would be inclined to assume this idiom originated from the sport of golf like other par phrases that exist, “on par” is different. The word “par” dates back to the 16th century where the word was defined as being “something equal to something else.” The first record of the phrase appearing in writing occurred in 1832. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the term was used in the sport of golf.
“On Par” Examples
Example Sentences
- After years of training and conditioning, her skills were on par with most Olympic ice skaters.
- Her development is on par with most newborns the same age, weight, and height.
Example Conversations
A conversation between two friends.
- Friend 1: Simon’s piano lessons are paying off.
- Friend 2: Really? That’s great!
- Friend 1: Yes, his teacher says that he is on par with the kids his age that she also teaches.
A conversation between two co-workers.
- Co-worker 1: The new methods the company is using have vastly improved our productivity.
- Co-worker 2: You are right. With their implementation, we can now stay competitive and our profits should be on par with last year’s figures.
Alternatives to “On Par”
There are many substitute words or phrases that you can use in conversation to replace the idiom “on par” and still convey the same meaning. Some of the choices you can use include:
- Equal to
- Equivalent to
- The same as
- Similar
- Comparable
On Par Definition | Picture
